CNBC Goes Behind the Scenes at Ford

CNBC goes behind the scenes at the Ford Motor Company to tell the inside story of its astonishing comeback just a few short years after nearly collapsing. You’ll meet the tireless and steel-nerved CEO, Alan Mulally, who bet nearly everything the company had in his quest to steer it back from the brink. More astoundingly, Ford rescued itself without a government bailout, unlike rivals General Motors and Chrysler. Today, Ford appears to be a company with a bright future, but one shadowed by a mountain of debt.

CNBC’s Phil LeBeau was granted remarkable access to the company’s inner workings, introducing viewers to an unlikely pair of engineers charged with breathing new life into a legendary but tarnished Ford nameplate, the Explorer. The program also profiles the Ford family, who unlike many other famous American business clans, have never given up their hold on the family firm.

We’ll also take you to the front lines of the brutally competitive automotive industry, the rapidly expanding car markets of South Asia. Ford’s toehold in India, where it is investing heavily, is small, but tenacious, and the blue Ford oval is becoming increasingly commonplace on the crowded and exotic streets of the world’s fastest growing auto market.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

CEO Alan Mulally

Ford CEO Alan Mulally is the auto industry’s rock star. When he took the reins in 2006, the company was on the brink of financial disaster. Mulally was challenged to get Ford back on track --- a mission he accomplished.

The Explorer
Sales of Ford’s top selling Explorer SUV fell dramatically in the early 2000s, hit first by a series of fatal rollover accidents caused by faulty tires and then a gasoline spike hike which made gas guzzlers out of fashion. Now Ford is back with a redesigned, fuel-efficient Explorer for the 21st century.

New Technology
Ford has always prided itself as a leader in automotive technology. Now, they’re developing technology that allows drivers to connect to their cell phones, digital music players and other devices by using voice commands

The Ford Family
The Ford family has owned or controlled Ford for more than a century. It’s been a rollercoaster, boom-and-bust ride.

India
India is the fastest growing car market in the world and Ford has built a new subcompact car – the Ford Figo -- specifically for Indian buyers. The company hopes it will increase domestic sales and turn India into a small car exporter.

Do You Know Your Electric Cars? New Site Sheds Light!

Have you ever wondered what the difference between a BEV and a PHEV? Or why is an HEV considered an electrified vehicle? Chances are, many of you don't know what that is. However, as electrification options are increasing for consumers, many are looking for information to understand how the new technologies work. To help provide jargon-free answers to electric vehicle questions, Ford has launched a brand new web site, www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/. The site offers the basic information consumers need to understand electrified vehicle and technology choices.

The site is part of Ford’s efforts to educate consumers about the range of electrified vehicles and help potential buyers determine which electrified option might best suit their specific driving habits and needs. Consumers who visit the site will be able to review videos, text and cutaway diagrams that illustrate the differences between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure battery electric vehicles like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Focus Electric and planned Ford plug-in vehicles.
The site does not offer opinions on which vehicle technology is better. Rather, it provides clear explanations about how gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles work to help consumers decide which vehicle could be the best option for them.

Electrification is one aspect of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy that includes a range of fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel technologies designed to offer consumers a portfolio of vehicle choices.

“We know consumers are excited about the variety of electrified vehicles coming to market over the next two years, but we have heard many of them say they don’t truly understand the differences between these options,” said Nancy Gioia, director of global electrification for Ford. “Educating consumers on electrified vehicle options will be crucial to satisfying their needs as they decide whether to buy a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure battery electric car.”

The site explains the differences in each type of vehicle, and details the technology that makes them possible, including battery chemistry, charge ports and regenerative braking.

“We want our customers to be informed and educated,” said Gioia. “Most of our customers are used to traditional gasoline engines powering their cars, so this technology is new to them. This site gives them the tools to learn about our electrified vehicles with resources they are most comfortable with – text, graphical fact sheets, videos or a combination of the materials.”

The web site also provides a list of Ford vehicles available with hybrid technology today, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which set the standard for fuel economy in midsize sedans with 41 mpg city.

Over the next two years, Ford will deliver at least five new electrified vehicles. The Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van arrives in late 2010, the Ford Focus Electric will be introduced in late 2011, followed by two next-generation lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012.

Electrified vehicles are one part of Ford’s broader strategy to offer a wide range of environmentally friendly, advanced technology solutions to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions affordably for customers around the world.

You so Pimping, You so Sexy! - Ford Fiesta AD

This ad is too funny. It not only will crack you up, it actually tells you about lots of the cool features on the new Ford Fiesta.

J.D. Power and Associates Awards Ford Triple Honors

J.D. Power and Associates recently released the results of their 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Ford demonstrated significant improvements. In fact, Ford has three models that rank highest in their segment: Focus, Taurus, and Mustang.

Take a look at these high-ranking winners! The 2010 Ford Focus was the “Highest Ranked Compact Car in initial Quality” by J.D. Power and Associates. In addition, the 2010 Ford Taurus is the “Highest Ranked Large Car in initial Quality” by J.D. Power and Associates. Last but not least, J.D. Power and Associates has named the 2010 Ford Mustang the “Highest Ranked Mid-Size Sporty Car in Initial Quality.”

That is quality. That’s Ford!

Randall Reed Address Texas Vehicle Emission Concerns

Randall Reed Addresses Texas Vehicle Emission Concerns, Provides Free State Inspection to Prestige Pre-Owned Consumers
Well Ahead of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Garland Dealership
Remedies Vehicle Emission Inspection Issues

Garland, TX (May 4, 2010) – Well in advance of the recent action taken by The Office of the Attorney General and the Dallas County Clean Air Emissions Task Force, Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury moved swiftly to correct issues with former employees who were engaging in improper vehicle emission reporting procedures.

“We were surprised to learn that some employees had engaged in improper reporting of vehicle emissions,” said Randall Reed, owner of Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury. “When the Office of the Attorney General alerted us of this issue in September of 2009, we took immediate action. Not only did we immediately terminate the employees who were responsible, we made sure that policies were put into place to ensure that it could not happen again.”

In addition, Mr. Reed is inviting all prior Prestige Pre-Owned customers who purchased a vehicle from June 2007 to September 2009, to bring their vehicle to Prestige for a free Texas State Inspection to ensure complete peace of mind.

According to the Office of the Attorney General, improper emissions reporting practices began under prior ownership and management of Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury. The Office of the Attorney General did not notify Randall Reed of the problem when Mr. Reed purchased the dealership. Instead, the Office of the Attorney General investigated the issue for over three years before informing Randall Reed in September of 2009. Furthermore, the vehicle emissions are reported on a State of Texas computer system that management could not access or monitor.

The Reed Family has zero tolerance for compromising on what they sell to the general public. “We pride ourselves on caring about our customers and the vehicles they drive away in from Prestige,” said Mr. Reed. “Upon learning of this, we began working with the Attorney General’s Office immediately to remedy the situation. Since that time, we have been in full compliance with the law.”

“Had we been made aware of these concerns when we were purchasing Prestige, or if we had a way to monitor the State controlled system, this would have never taken place,” Mr. Reed said. Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury has been working diligently to make sure every vehicle is compliant with Texas and Federal vehicle emissions laws and safe for their consumers.

“With an issue as important as consumer safety and our environment, I hope the Texas Attorney General is more proactive in identifying violations,” Mr. Reed said. “Armed with that information, which helps to serve as a check and balance, we can then ensure that the best practices are being followed for our business, our customers and for our environment.”

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Celebrate SYNC-O de Mayo with Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury

Celebrate SYNC-O de Mayo with Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury
Update, upgrade & enjoy free food and Prizes May 5-8th!
By Kimyla Guice

While some will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo, at Rrandall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury in Garland, we will be celebrating SYNC-O de Mayo.

May 5th-May 8th, Randall and Sherry invite you to stop by Prestige to let us help you better understand and utilize your SYNC. We will make sure you are using the latest version, that you have activated your Vehicle Health Report, 911 assistance and much more.

Food, Fun & Prizes, Too!
While the event lasts all day long. Wednesday-Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will have good eats available. And, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., we are firing up the grill.

Fun for all!
There is something for everyone. Kids can get fun prizes and they can have a blast in our Ford jump house!

Last but not least, will have prizes for all! And you can register to enter our grand prize. Plus, while you’re here, enter to win the RADbrid, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Turbo built by Reed Auto Design (RAD-Rides.com).

RSVP
If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please call 214.560.1639 or e-mail kguice@prestigegarland.com.

Location
Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury is located at 3601 S. Shiloh Road in Garland, just off of 635 and Garland Road. We’re just a short drive on 635. For a map and point-to-point directions, please click on the link. Map & Directions

Just Announced: Wood Brothers Join Jack Roush at Prestige for Autograph Session and Festivities!

Just Announced -- Wood Brothers Join Jack Roush at Prestige for Autograph Session and Festivities!

April 15th at 6 p.m. Roush AND the Wood Brothers Visit Hundreds of Fans who gather at Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury for Autograph Session & Festivities

Garland, TX – Race fans are revved up and already signing up for their chance to meet motorsport legend, Jack Roush. And just announced, The Wood Brothers, Eddie and Len Wood, will be joining Mr. Roush during his appearance at Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury (part of World Class Automotive Group) on Thursday, April 15th at 6 p.m.

Roush and the Wood Brothers are in town for the Samsung Mobile 500 Weekend, April 15-18. It is one the most anticipated event weekends of the season at Texas Motor Speedway.

Randall Reed’s ROUSH Performance Extravaganza not only features appearances from Roush and the Wood Brothers; Greg Biffle’s NASCAR (No. 16) vehicle will be on location, as will vehicles from AER and the North Texas Mustang Club. In addition, there is a show and shine, free food, family fun, live music, prizes, the Reed Speed Girls and more! And, visitors can register to win the RADbrid 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Turbo.

“Having Jack Roush at our dealership is thrilling,” said Randall Reed, owner of Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury. “We are all fans at the dealership, and have already had a huge response from fans wanting to attend. The event is going to be tremendous.”

As an authorized ROUSH dealer, Prestige visitors will also be able to get an up-close look at the newest ROUSH Mustangs and ROUSH Performance accessories.

About Jack Roush: Roush serves as team owner and CEO of ROUSH Racing and is Chairman of the Board of ROUSH Enterprises, the parent company to ROUSH Racing, ROUSH Industries, ROUSH Performance and ROUSH Manufacturing. The ROUSH Enterprises family of companies employs more than 1,800 people in facilities throughout North America and Europe. He began his professional career in 1964 as an engineer for Ford Motor Company. Later, Roush formed Jack Roush Performance Engineering, a precursor of today’s Roush Industries, in 1976 and Roush Racing in 1988. Roush became the only professional drag racer to venture into NASCAR, SCCA Trans-Am, and IMSA road racing and sports car racing.

About the Wood Brothers: Wood Brothers Racing is an American auto racing team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Truck Series. The team is owned by the Wood Brothers. The Wood Brothers merged with Tad and Jodi Geschickter's JTG Racing in 2006. The Wood Brothers hold the unique distinction of being the oldest active team in NASCAR, having fielded cars since 1950 and for their long relationship with Ford Motor Company. They currently field the #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion.

About Prestige: Randall and Sherry are proud to announce Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford Lincoln Mercury in its new facility and location. The dealership is now at 3601 S. Shiloh Road in Garland (across from the old location). It’s the latest addition to the family-owned World Class Automotive Group. The Garland location was designed to be a new autotainment experience that makes every trip to the dealership an enjoyable one, whether you are buying new or servicing your existing vehicles.

WHEN
Thursday, April 15th
6 p.m.

WHERE
3601 S. Shiloh Road (635 & Garland Rd.)
Garland, TX 75041

PARKING
At Old Dealership Location - Across from Dealership at 3401 S. Garland Rd.

WANT VEHICLE SIGNED?
E-mail kguice@prestigegarland to apply for a vehicle signature voucher and signature parking location information.

Question or to RSVP: kguice@prestigegarland.com or call 972.864.3673